Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association

Dr Porges and I travelled to Bathurst to address the Combined Pensioners and Superannuates' Association. We had the opportunity to speak with the audience about the statistical findings for the future of patients suffering cancer. In particular the impacts on the individuals and their families who needed to travel to Sydney, Canberra or Wagga Wagga for Radio-Therapy treatment. Dr Porges explained that in some cases patients were electing to have radical surgery because they cant manage or cope financially with the length of time needed to be away from home for radio-therapy treatment (anything up to 7 weeks at a time).
The statistics give a true understanding of the position that rural people are placed in because of a lack of services in rural areas. There has been a letter of support from the Federal and State Health Ministers but it is a letter of commitment that is really needed. Cancer Care Western NSW Board members are available to do presentations to Government organisations, businesses and service groups in fact any one who feels they need to gain information and possibly be looking at helping with fundraising.
Which leads me to the tremendous support we received from the Combined Pensioners and Superannuates Association. On completion of our presentation we were given a cheque to further help with our fundraising efforts for accommodation. There isn't a figure to date on the amount needed to be raised for the accommodation as we are waiting on more detail from the government before we set a target figure. We feel privileged to have the support of this wonderful group of people.
If you have a particular interest to learn more about the problem that rural people face at this time then please send me an email with your details and we will see what we can organise in the way of a presentation or information. We welcome community groups fundraising for this cause.